Pseudophakic macular edema: Review and new insights on treatment and prophylaxis

Pseudophakic cystoid macular edema (PCME) is a common complication of cataract surgery that may rarely result in vision loss. In most cases PCME resolves spontaneously, which makes it challenging to establish the efficacy of therapeutic and prophylactic interventions. Although no consensus exists regarding management or prevention, most surgeons advocate prophylaxis primarily for high-risk eyes. Nevertheless, the costs associated with preventive measures have risen substantially in recent years. In this review, we summarize the current evidence on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, risk factors, treatment, and prophylaxis of PCME, to provide a comprehensive understanding of its clinical indications and the cost-effectiveness of available strategies.